China mourns Yangtze shipwreck victims

World Today

A family member prays during a mourning ceremony along the river banks of the Yangtze River near the site where the Eastern Star capsized last Monday, in Jianli county in southern China’s Hubei province, Sunday June 7, 2015. Nearby ships blared horns for three minutes Sunday and rescuers bowed in silence to honor the more than 430 victims of the Yangtze River capsizing, as specialists began working on DNA samples from relatives to identify the dead. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT

Ship horns wailed as hundreds of people gathered in the rain on Sunday to mourn the victims of the Eastern Star disaster.

More than 500 rescue workers and government officials at the site bowed their heads during a three-minute silence on Sunday, the seventh day since the ship capsized with the loss of more than 430 souls. According to Chinese tradition, the seventh day is a key occasion to mourn the passing of the dead.

At around 9 a.m., following an announcement from Minister of Transport Yang Chuantang, rescue workers stopped what they were doing and removed their hats to face the salvaged vessel.

They set up a table with candles and chrysanthemums on the large crane vessel that dragged the ship from its muddy grave Thursday night.

“We are all here with families of victims to go through the pain of losing their loved ones with them,” rescue diver Guan Dong said.

CCTV America's Mike Walter interviewed clinical psychologist Ann Rosen Spector about how family members of Eastern Star victims can cope with the tragedy.

Families of the victims prayed for their loved ones on the riverbank or in their hotels.

Eleven people remain missing. Hu Kaihong, deputy director of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office, told a news conference Sunday that the search is continuing and authorities are matching the DNA of the victims with blood samples provided by their relatives.

Rescuers are still searching along the Yangtze River from Jianli where the ship sank, more than 1,000 km downstream to Shanghai.

Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai extended his condolences on Saturday to relatives of the victims, asking that whatever help relatives might need, including psychological counselling and a thorough investigation, be provided as soon as possible.

Report by Xinhua.

Families mourn victims of ship disaster

In Central China a mourning ceremony was held near the site where the Eastern Star cruise ship overturned Monday on the Yangtze River. At least 432 were killed in the disaster, and 10 people are still missing. CCTV’s Yang Zhao filed this report.

Families mourn victims of ship disaster

In Central China a mourning ceremony was held near the site where the Eastern Star cruise ship overturned Monday on the Yangtze River. At least 432 were killed in the disaster, and 10 people are still missing. CCTV's Yang Zhao filed this report.

Careful efforts to protect dignity of the dead

During the recovery process, authorities have called for all possible efforts in protecting the dignity of the dead. And soldiers responsible for the search mission are answering the call.CCTV’s Yang Zhao filed this report.

Careful efforts to protect dignity of the dead

During the recovery process, authorities have called for all possible efforts in protecting the dignity of the dead. And soldiers responsible for the search mission are answering the call.CCTV's Yang Zhao filed this report.

Gregory Tsang on the Yangtze disaster

For more on the Yangtze disaster and its effect on China’s national psyche. CCTV’s Susan Roberts spoke to Gregory Tsang. He is a current affairs commentator.

Gregory Tsang on the Yangtze disaster

For more on the Yangtze disaster and its effect on China's national psyche. CCTV's Susan Roberts spoke to Gregory Tsang. He is a current affairs commentator.

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